Selector actuator arrangement



March 3, 1959 F. LEBER SELECTOR Ac'ruATok ARRANGEMENT Filed Aug. 8. 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 /NVEN7'0/P: Felix L e be r L irl,

-March3, 1959 F. L'EBER 2,876,305

SELECTOR ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT Filed Aug. 8, i956 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Q. M I

l g m I T j T lL m m 1 QN n I l w 1 I i 1 o INVENTOPZ Fe l ix L e be r hckabfl lua fl t March 1 F. LEBEIR 2,876,305

SELECTOR ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT Filed Aug. 8, .1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 wzewrae:

Fe X L e be BY MJJ. M

F. LEBER SELECTOR ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 lNKE/VTORI Felix Le be r /1m March 3, 1959 Filed Aug. 8, 1956 March 3, 1959 LEBER SELECTOR ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 8, 1956 V/NVFNI'O/P:

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United States The present invention relates .toa selector actuator arrangement.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a selector actuator arrangement such as amultiple selector switch by means of which the individual switches or switch unitsof which the multiple switch is composed may simultaneously be moved to predetermined conditions, i. e., either open or closed, and by means ofwhich different switching combinations may be. stored and utilized in a certain sequence whenever desired.

There exist selector switches wherein in order to obtain different switching combinations alarge number of adjustments must be made. Thus, when different switching combinations or different sequences of switching combinations are desired, extensive time-consuming adjustments must be effected. I I b It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above disadvantages by providing a selector actuator arrangement which incorporates a number of individual templates, each of which is capable of bringing about one particular switching combination. These templates maybe attached easily to the actuator thereby making it possible very easily and very rapidly to prepare the actuator for producing any desired switching combinations in any desired sequence.

It is another object of the present invention to pro vide 'a selector switch which may easily be prepared to deliver, in any desired sequence, any predetermined switching combinations. 7

The objects of the present invention also include the provision ofa selector switch which may easily be moved between its different switching positions.

With the above objects in view, the present invention mainly resides in that improvement in a selector actuatorarrangement which comprises first bank means including a; first bank of actuating means; second 'bank means including a plurality of second banks of actuating means, the actuating means of each of the second banks beingarranged differently from the actuating'rneans of the other second banks so that each of the second banks is adapted to cooperate differently with the first bank of actuating means; and bank carrying means for carrying one of the bank means movable relative to the other of the bank means into a plurality of actuating positions, in

.eachvof which the firstbank of actuating means cooperates with another second bank of actuating means. Thus, in each of the plurality of actuating position the selectorarrangement is in a different actuation selecting position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the selector actuator arrangement is 'in the-form of a selector switch which includes a bank of contacts; a plurality of banks of contact means each bank of which is inthe form of a single element or unit arranged differently from the other banks of contact means and is adapted to cooperate with the bank of contacts in such a manner that it, together with the bank of contacts,

atent forms a bank of switches the individual switches of which are in predetermined conditions, i'espet stively;v and carrier means for carrying the plurality of banksof contact means, the banks of contacts and the carrier, together with the plurality of banksv of contact. means carried thereby. being movable relative .toeach other between different positions wherein the bank of contacts cooperates with different banks of contact means, respectively. Thus, any one of, the banks of contact means may be brought into cooperation with the banksof contacts so that the selector switch may be placed into .different selector positions. i Y

The novel features which are considered ascharactep istic for the invention are set forth invparticularin the appended claims. The inventionitself,.however both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages 'thereofifwill be best understood from the following descriptionIof specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: r i

Fig. l is a schematic diagram of a circuit incorporating a selector switch according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a selector switch according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 2; i M V I i Figs. Aw, 4b and 40 show differenttemplates incorporated in a selector switch according as the present .invention; I i i J i Fig. 5 is a perspective view of apart of the present invention; and i Fig. 6. is a view of a switch housing.

Referring now to the drawings and to.Fig. 1.. hereo1 in particular, there is'shown'a schematic diagram of a multiple speed gear box which incorporates a selector switch according to the present invention, this figure being provided to illustrate, by way of example, a use to which such selector switch may be put. Thegearbox may be used in conjunction with a machine tool .for controlling various rotational speeds, feed rates, etc or-for otherwise controlling the machine tool in such a manner that the same sequentially carries out different operations until certain desired resultsare achieved,.as for example, until the workpiece has hadimparted to it certain dimensions suchas thicknesses, diameters, bore depths and the like.

The multiple speed gear box includes a series of axially fixed gears 1a tolf which are associated, respectively, with axially displaceable gears 2a; to 2 ,Axial displacement of; the gears 2a to 2 is accomplishedhydraulically by means of pistons 30: to 3 springs .3"aflto 3 being provided for continuouslybiasing the axially displaceable gears out of meshing engagement with their corresponding axially fixed gears. The cylinders withinwhich the pistons slide are connectedto asource of fluid pressure 50 by means of branch conduits 60, and suitable control valves 4a to 4 are provided forplacing the cylinders within which the pistons slide into and out of communication with the source of'fluid pressure. The valves 4a to .4f are of the electro-magnetic. type and areassociated, respectively, with solenoid windings 7a .to 7f,.the arrangement of the parts being such that .when a solenoid is energized the corresponding valve places the cylinder in communication with the source of fluid pressure, thereby causing the corresponding axially displaceable gear to be moved into meshing engagement with the corresponding fixed gear, whereaswhenthe winding is unenergizedthe cylinder is not subjected to the pressure exerted by the fluid medium supplied by the source 50, thereby permitting the corresponding spring to maintain the gears out of engagement. I i

'The windings 7a to 79 are connected to a power line '3 100 by way of a master switch 90 and individual switches 8a to 8 Thus, each axially displaceable gear may be brought into meshing engagement with its corresponding axially fixed gear by closing the corresponding switch 8. In Fig. 1, the switches 8b, 8c and 8e are shown in their closed positions, the gears 2b, 2c and 2e therefore 'being in meshing engagement with the gears 1b, 1c and 1e, respectively.

The transmission ratio at which the gear box operates is dependent upon the combination of gears which are in engagement with each other, so that by closing different ones of the switches 8a to 8 any desired transmission ratio may be obtained.

In practice, it is often desirable rapidly to vary the transmission ratio of the gear box in accordance with a predetermined pattern. It is for this purpose that a multiple switch incorporating the individual switch units 8a to 8 must be capable of rapidly assuming different actuator positions in which each of the switches 8a to 8 is either closed or open, as required by the particular transmission ratio desired of the gear box. Accordingly, a selector switch of the type described below may advantageously be incorporated in the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 and be used as the switches 8a to 8 Referring now to Figs. 2 to 6, there is shown a selector switch including a drum 1 which is rotatably mounted on a hollow shaft 2 by means of ball bearings 5 and 6. The shaft 2 is fixedly secured to a suitable support 4 which may be part of the machine tool or other apparatus with which the selector switch is associated, suitable screws 3 or other fastening means being provided for this purpose.

The drum may be turned manually by means of a knob 7 or automatically by means of a ratchet mechanism incorporating the parts 8, 9, 10 and 11.

The hollow shaft 2 carries a tubular member 12 which supports a bank of stationary contacts 13 which may be in the form of leaf springs the free ends of which are resiliently urged toward the inner surface of the drum. Each contact includes a lead-in wire which passes through the hollow shaft 2 and extends through a bore formed in the wall thereof, the bore also passing through the wall of the tubular member 12. The lead-in wire is electrically connected to the leaf spring.

As is clearly illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, the drum 1 is composed of a plurality of overlapping metal strips 14 the free ends of which are secured to annular retaining members 23. The strips 14 are spaced from each other by spacer elements 24 so that the drum 1 is formed with a plurality of slots 17 extending through its wall, each slot being adapted to receive a template strip made of insulating material. The strips 14 and spacer elements 24 may be riveted or otherwise securely fastened to the annular retaining members 23. The strips 14 may be electrically connected to each other, and a common lead wire (not shown) may be connected to these strips. Alternatively, the switch structure, particularly the drum 1 composed of the strips 14, the annular retaining members 23 and the spacer elements 24, may constitute an electrical ground so that no outside lead wire is required. If desired, the strips 14 may be integral with the members 23 and spacer elements 24 so that the entire drum 1 is in the form of a single tubular or drum-shaped element the wall of which is slotted, with the templates 15 extending through these slots.

It will be seen from the above that each template together with its conductive strip 14 constitutes a bank 'of movable switch elements and is adapted to cooperate with the bank of stationary contacts in such a manner that it, together with this bank of stationary contacts, forms a bank of switches the individual switches of which are open or closed, depending upon the configuration of the template.

For example, the template 15 may have the configuration illustrated in Fig. 4a, i. e., the template may be formed with a single cutout portion 16 so that when this particular template 15 cooperates with the bank of stationary contacts, only the third of eight switches will be in its closed position. The first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth stationary contacts 13 will be prevented from sliding against the corresponding metallic strip 14. Template 15 shown in Fig. 4b is so shaped that the second, third, fifth and sixth of eight stationary contacts 18 will, when the template 15a cooperates with the bank of stationary contacts, slide against a corresponding metal strip 14. In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 4c, the template 15" is so shaped that the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh of eight contacts 13 will engage the corresponding strip 14.

While Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate templates adapted to cooperate with a bank of eight stationary contacts, it will be readily understood that the templates and carrier drum may easily be made sufficiently long to enable the templates to cooperate with the bank of sixteen stationary contacts illustrated in Fig. 2, or with a bank of any number of stationary contacts.

It will be understood from the above that the drum 1 constitutes a carrier adapted to carry a plurality of banks of movable switch elements, and that this carrier may be rotated, either manually by means of the knob 7 or automatically by means of the ratchet mechanism 8, 9, 10 and 11, between different positions wherein different banks of movable switch elements cooperate with the bank of stationary contacts. For example, if the drum 1 is formed with thirty slots, then the drum may carry thirty templates. All that needs to be done to bring a dilferent template into cooperation with the bank of stationary contacts is to rotate the drum one-thirtieth of a revolution.

In Fig. 3 the illustrated stationary contact 13 is maintained out of contact with the strip 140 by means of the template 15c. Also, the template 15d will prevent the contact 13 from electrically engaging the strip 14d when the drum 1 is advanced one step, i. e., is rotated in counterclockwise direction approximately one-thirtieth of a revolution. However, the templates 15a and 15b are so shaped that when the drum is advanced two and also three steps, the contact 13 will engage first the metal strip 14a and then the metal strip 14b.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drum 1 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed with thirty slots 17, the number of each slot being indicated by a suitable scale. The templates 15 are arranged in these slots and are substantially flush with the inner surface thereof. The templates 15 may be formed with step portions 25 (Figs. 4a and 5) which seat on shoulders 24a of the spacer elements 24. The step portions and shoulders act as v detent means which serve to position the templates relative to the drum in such a manner that that edge of each template which is in the interior of the drum is substantially in registration with the next adjacent slot 17. In this way, a particular stationary contact 13 which, during two or more successive steps is to be kept out of engagement with a metallic strip 14, is not, at any time during the advancement from one step to the next, permitted accidentally to contact such strip 14.

Preferably, each template 15 has a length and thickness corresponding substantially to the length and thickness of the slot 17, so that each template will be received snugly within any one of the slots, whereas the width of each template is greater than that of each strip 14. In practice, the width of each template may be approximately 1.3 to 1.5 the width of each strip. In this way, part of each template will protrude exteriorly of the drum, and suitable indicia means may be provided on this protruding portion identifying the particular switching combination brought about by the template. If the selector switch is to be used in conjunction with the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1, then each template may be provided with indicia means that shows the .numeric value of thetransmission ratio of the gear box which is produced the particular template (Fig. 5).

If desired, a covering plate or switch housing may be provided to enclose theswitch structure,'which covering plate or housing is formed with a window permitting the operator to see the indicia means of the template which at any given'jtime is actually inuse. This window be 'so shaped, or two separate windows may be provided, sothat the indicia means of the next one or more template are also visible.

Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 6 wherein the drum 1 is surrounded by a tubular housing 30 which is attached to the support 4 by means of an angle bracket 31. The housing 31 is formed with a cutout or opening 32 surrounded by a frame 33 which carries the legends Position and Speed, the frame being riveted or otherwise securely fastened to the housing 30. The cutout and frame are in axial alignment with the scale showing the selector positions and with the indicia rneans carried by the templates. The cutout is radiallyso aligned with thedrurn 1 that while the selector switch is in anyone of its selector positions, the position number as wellas the indicia means of the particular template at thisselector position are visible at the legends Position and Speed, respectively. Additionally, the next successive position number and the indicia means of the template at this next positionare also visible.

It' will be readily understood from the above that it is an extremely simple matter to prepare the selector switch to produce any desired switching combinations in any desired sequence. This may be accomplished simply by inserting into the slots 17, in proper order, the templates lsr'equired to produce the desired switching combinations.

In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of the individual templates, it is advantageous tofashion the same of a single unit or element that can be inserted and withdrawn as such. If desired, the elements may be of a single integral part that can be stamped or otherwise easily be produced.

Moreover, the arrangement of the parts is suchthat whenever a template is withdrawn from a slot of the drum, the template is scraped by the corresponding strip 14, thereby removing any metallic deposit which may cause electric leakage.

It will be seen from the above, thata selector actuator arrangement of the type described incorporates first bank means which include a first bank of actuating means; second bank means including a plurality of second banks of actuatingmeans, each of which second banks is in the form of a single element orunit; and bank carrying means for carrying one of these bank means movable relative to the other of the bank means. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bank of actuating means is represented by the bank of stationary contacts 13 whereas each second bank of actuating means is represented by one of the templates 15 together with its strip 14. While in the illustrated embodiment it is the templates 15 which are carried by the drum for movement relative to the stationary contacts, it will be understood that the templates may be arranged stationarily and the contacts 13 be movable relative thereto.

Also, the carrier need not be in the form of a drum, but instead may be of any arcuate, fiat or other suitable configuration.

Moreover, a selector switch according to the present invention may be so constructed and arranged thatthe strips14 are of insulating material whereas the templates 15 are made of electrically conductive material, suitable individual or common lead wires being electrically connected to the templates. In thisway, whenever a stationary contact engages a template, each of which constitutes one of the second banks of actuating means, the individual switch unit of which this stationary contact is a part willbe in its closed condition. Alternatively,

' for carrying said plurality of second banks of actuating.

6 the templates may bekepteleetrieally insulated from each other and be so shaped; that each of the templates, when it is in selectorjactuation position, electrically engages one particular stationary contact, i. e., that irrespective of which of the contacts 13 .the template engages, this one particular stationarycontact will be among them. This one contact may then be used as a common return lead. .For example, each template may be so shaped as electrically to contact the leftward-most stationary contact 13a, as viewed in Fig. 2. The lead wire associated with contact 13a then constitutes a common return lead.

If desired, a selectcr switch according to the present invention may be modified so as to, be in the form of a mechanical actuator. This, maybe accomplishedby replacing each of thecontacts '13 by a pivotally mounted lever which is camrned by the templates and actuates a microswitch or other type of electric contact units.

Moreover, a selector actuator arrangement according to e Pre inven o @34 b i c p ra in a p o electric arrangeinentin which the contacts 13 are replaced by a bank of photoelectric cells. A suitable light source may be placed exteriorlysof the drum, and the individual templates maybe in the form of light shields formed with suitable cutouts which register with the desired photo electric cells. The latter may be electrically connected to relays or other types of actuators.

It will be understcod that each of the elements describedabove, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of selector actuator arrangements differingfrom the types described above.

While the invention hasbeen illustrated and described as embodied in a selector switch, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may bernade without departing in any wayfrom the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from'the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential charac teristics of the generic or specific aspectsof this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is: s t

1. In a selector actuator arrangement, in combination, a firsthank of actuating means; a plurality of second banks of actuating means each of which second banks is in the form' of a single unit, the actuating means of each of said banks being arranged ditferentlyfrom the actuating means of the other second banks so that each of said second banks isadapted to cooperate differently with said first bank of actuating means; and bank carrying means means movable relative to said first bank of actuating means into a pluralityofactuating positions in each of which said first bank of actuating means cooperates with another second bank of actuating means, whereby in each of said pluralityof actuating positions the selector arrangement is in a different actuation selecting position.

2. In a selector switch arrangement, in combination, a first bank of switch means; a plurality of second banks of switch means each of which second banks is in the form of a single unit, the switch means of each of said second banks being arranged differently from the switch means of the other second banks so that each of said second banks is adapted to cooperate differently with said first bank of switch means; and bank carrying means for carrying said plurality of second banks of switch means movable relative to. said first plurality of switch means into a plurality of switching positions in each of which said first bank of switch means cooperates with another second bank of switch means, whereby in each of said manner that it, together with said bank of first switch components, forms a bank of switch means the individual switches of which are in predetermined desired positions, respectively; and a switch component carrier adapted to carry said plurality of banks of second switch components, said bank of first switch components and said carrier, together with said plurality of banks of second switch components carried thereby, being movable relative to each other between difierent positions wherein said bank of first swtich components cooperates with different banks of second switch components, respectively, whereby any one of said banks of second switch components may be brought into cooperation with said bank of first switch components so that the selector switch may be placed into different selector positions.

4. In a selector switch, in combination, a bank of switches; a plurality of banks of switch actuator means each bank of which is in the form of a single element arranged differently from the other banks of switch actuator means and is adapted to cooperate with said bank of switches for actuating the same in such a manner that the individual switches of said bank of switches are in predetermined desired positions, respectively; and carrier means for carrying said plurality of banks of switch actuator means, said bank of switches and said carrier, together with said plurality of banks of switch actuators carried thereby, being movable relative to each other between ditferent positions wherein said bank of switches cooperates with different banks of switch actuator means, respectively; whereby any of said banks of switch actuator means may be brought into cooperation with said bank of switches so that the selector switch may be placed into different selector positions.

5. In a selector switch, in combination, support means; a stationary bank of contacts on said support means; a plurality of movable banks of contacts each bank of which is in the form of a single switch element arranged differently from the other movable banks of contacts and is adapted to cooperate with said stationary bank of contacts in such a manner that it, together with said stationary bank of contacts, forms a bank of switches the individual switches of which are in predetermined conditions, re-

spectively; and carrier means for carrying said plurality of movable banks of contacts and being'mounted on said support for movement relative to said stationary bank of contacts between different positions wherein said stationary bank of contacts cooperates with different movable banks of contacts, respectively; whereby any of said movable banks of contacts may be brought into cooperation with said stationary banks of contacts so that the selector switch may be placed into different selector positions.

6. The combination defined in claim wherein said carrier means is in the form of a rotary drum which is mounted on said support means for rotation relative thereto.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 and wherein the single switch elements constituting said movable banks of contacts, respectively, include each a contact element having at least a surface portion of electrically conductive material, and a juxtaposed contact-preventing member at least partly overlapping said surface portion, said contact elements being mounted on said drum in spaced relationship so as to form slots substantially parallel with the axis of said drum, and said contact-preventing members extending through said slots.

8. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said c2 stationary banks of contacts is arranged interiorly of said drum and extends in the direction of the axis thereof, and wherein said contact-preventing members project through the respective slots and into the interior thereof.

9. The combination defined in claim 8 wherein said single elements are substantially flush with the inner surface of said drum and wherein said contacts of said stationary bank of contacts are in the form of leaf springs free ends of which are resiliently urged toward said inner surface of said drum.

10. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said drum is made of an electrically conductive material.

11. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said drum is made of insulating material and wherein at least that surface portion of said contact elements which is to be engaged by a corresponding contact of said stationary bank of contacts is made of electrically conductive material.

12. The combination defined in claim 9, and indicia means carried by each of said contact-preventing members for indicating the selector position effected by each respective contact-preventing member.

13. The combination defined in claim 9, and detent means operatively associated with said carrier means and said switch elements for positioning the latter relative to said bank of contacts in such a manner that edge of a selected contact element is substantially in registration with said bank of contacts.

14. The combination defined in claim 9 including mounting means for mounting said drum for rotation relative to said support means, said mounting means including a shaft extending along the axis of said drum and rotatably supporting the same.

15. The combination defined in claim 14 wherein said shaft is hollow and carries said stationary bank of contacts, and wherein each of said contacts of said stationary bank of contacts includes a lead-in wire which passes through said hollow shaft, which extends through a bore formed in the wall thereof, and which is electrically connected to the leaf spring of the respective contact of said stationary bank.

16. The combination defined in claim 14 and means for rotating said drum about said shaft between said difierent selector positions.

17. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein each of said contact-preventing members protrudes through said slots exteriorly of said drum, and indicia means carried by each of said members on that portion thereof which protrudes exteriorly of said drum for indicating the selector position of the respective switch element.

18. The combination defined in claim 17, and covering means covering said drum and being formed with opening means in registration with the indicia means of at least that member of that switch element which, while the selector switch is in a predetermined selector position, is in said predetermined selectorposition.

19. The combination defined in claim 18 wherein said opening means of the member of said covering means is also in registration with the indicia means of that switch element which will assume the next successive selector position. 7

20. In a selector switch, in combination, a bank of contacts; a plurality of banks of contact means registrable with said bank of contacts, each of said banks of contact means including a single element adapted to cooperate with said bank of contacts, when in registering position therewith, in such a manner that it, together with said bank of contacts, forms a bank of switches, and a juxtaposed contact-preventing member having at least one portion overlapping said single element in register with a cor responding contact of said bank of contacts for causing the switch formed by said single element and the particular contact to be in open condition, said contact-preventing members in one bank of contact means having said portions in difierent contact-registering positions from those in the other banks of contact means whereby the individual switches are in predetermined closed or opened conditions, respectively, when said bank of contacts is in registering position with any one of said banks of contact means; and carrier means for carrying said plurality of banks of contact means, said bank of contacts and said carrier, together with said plurality of banks of contact means carried thereby, being movable relative to each other between diiferent positions wherein said bank of contacts registers and cooperates with different banks of contact means, respectively, whereby any one of said banks of contact means may be brought into cooperation with said bank of contacts for placing the selector switch into different selector positions.

21. A selector switch as set forth in claim 20, wherein each of said contact-preventing members is removably mounted in juxtaposition with said single elements, respectively.

22. A selector switch as set forth in claim 21, wherein said single elements are made of conductive material and said contact-preventing members are made of insulating material.

23. A selector switch as set forth in claim 22, wherein said contact-preventing members are formed as interchangeable templates, said contact-preventing overlapping portions being defined by one edge of said template and at least one edge of at least one neighboring recess from said edge.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,801,129 Warren Apr. 14, 1931 2,045,251 Raber June 23, 1936 2,135,506 Hansch et al Nov. 8, 1938 2,671,148 Schulenburg Mar. 2, 1954 2,744,172 Porter et al. May 1, 1956 

